'On the spot fines' to crackdown on litter louts and dog fouling in Blackburn with Darwen

'On the spot fines' to crackdown on litter louts and dog fouling in Blackburn with Darwen

FROM next week litter louts and owners who let their dogs foul the streets in Blackburn with Darwen will face 'on the spot fines' if caught.

On Wednesday, the council will launch its promised new crackdown with staff from a private company equipped with body cameras issuing Fixed Penalty Notices.

The borough council has teamed up with specialist company Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services to spot, catch and fine those responsible following the success of the approach elsewhere in the UK.

Fixed penalty notices for littering will be £75.

Fines for dog fouling will be £100, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days.

The12-month pilot scheme will be self-financing, with the costs of private enforcement being met from the income from the notices.

Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council environment boss, said: “Decent people have simply had enough of this disgusting behaviour.

"This litter enforcement service is about taking back the streets for these law-abiding citizens, and making offenders take responsibility for their actions.

“Time and time again people have told me that dog fouling and litter are important priorities for them.

"It can spoil streets and communities and is a blight for so many people.

"They have had enough of the selfish minority of people who spoil our neighbourhoods for everyone.

“So this is a warning for anyone who thinks they can leave their dog mess or drop litter and get away with it: you will likely end up with a big fine to pay.”

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